The gruelling A-Levels have finally concluded, and you’re looking forward to parties, hangouts and maybe a trip overseas (or two). The last thing you want to do is settle in for some admin work – but that’s what you have to do, if you want to score a scholarship. Think of it as putting in some effort for your future: for all the fun you’ll miss now, you’ll have lots more fulfilment (and savings!) when you complete your degree without paying a cent, and start on a great new career while others are job searching.
From our many interviews with students, we’ve seen the scholarship search in every permutation and found that it follows some universal steps. We’ve put together what to expect and how to deal with it to ensure a smoother application process for everyone.
1 “There Are Just So Many Scholarships Out There, It’s Hard to Even Know Where To Start Looking.”
You hear about government scholarships like the PSC Scholarship or the Singapore-Industry Scholarship (SgIS), and then there are university-specific ones from NUS, NTU, and SMU. And that’s not even counting the scholarships offered by private organisations. It feels like an endless list. It’s not always clear where to find a comprehensive and up-to-date overview.
That’s where Scholarship Guide comes in. With our extensive scholarship database, feel free to browse or narrow down your choices with our filtering options.
2 “I Keep Seeing All These Different Eligibility Criteria, and I’m Not Sure Which Ones I Actually Qualify For.”
It feels like each scholarship has its own very specific set of rules. Some focus heavily on academic results, then others look at co-curricular activities, leadership roles, or even family background.
Here, we encourage you not to limit yourself to things you qualify for. Simply explore topics that interest you by reading interviews in the magazine or browsing the news. Then, if you see a scholarship you’d like to apply for, check if you meet the scholarship’s minimum requirements.
3 “It Feels Like Every Scholarship Has a Different Deadline, and I’m Constantly Worried I’ll Miss One.”
It’s like a race against time, trying to juggle studies and all these different application periods. Additionally, deadlines and requirements can vary, making the process even more challenging.
Keeping track of all these various and changing deadlines is a constant source of worry. But it’s not a worry you need to have: use the calendar app, or just a plain ol’ scheduler, to keep track of these. Some students set alarms for application deadlines, while others schedule emails or messages on WhatsApp/Telegram that will pop up. Let those remind you!
4 “The Idea of a Scholarship Bond Is Kind of Scary, Like I’m Locking Myself Into Something Before I Even Start My Career.”
The reason why bond-free scholarships are so popular is that students (many of whom are young and have little work experience), balk at a 3- to 5-year bond. They simply can’t see themselves committing so much time to a vague, uncertain future.
But that future doesn’t have to be so blurry. Give it shape by talking to scholars at networking events, ask questions during webinars and school fairs, or simply read our interviews to find out what past scholars went through. Also, a bond may not be a disadvantage. In an uncertain job market, it guarantees employment and career development in an established organisation for the duration of the bond.
5 “Sometimes I Feel Like the Really Good Scholarships Are Hidden, and Only Certain People Know About Them.”
After such a long time researching, shortlisting, and applying, many applicants second-guess themselves. They think of scholarships like dating – that there’s a one perfect match out there for me, and I have to find it.
Facts: there are no super-secret special scholarships only available to someone very special. Sponsoring organisations wouldn’t gain anything from narrowing the pool of candidates this way. So if you’ve applied to everything you feel fits you, be confident in your decision and let it rest.
6 “I Read the Requirements, but I Still Don’t Really Know What the Scholarship Providers Are Actually Looking for in an Applicant.”
The eligibility criteria give a basic idea, but it’s not always clear what qualities, experiences, or motivations truly matter to the scholarship committees. There’s often vague language like “holistic experience” or “competitive candidate”, with no specifics as to what those mean.
Talking to reps directly often demystifies these cues. If they are hard to locate at events, there’s no harm in searching for LinkedIn profiles or dropping an email. Such an initiative is often highly praised.
7 “Everyone Applying for These Scholarships Seems So Smart and Accomplished, How Am I Supposed To Stand Out?”
The entire scholarship application process, especially for the highly competitive ones, feels incredibly tough. Just knowing that they’re competing against so many other high-achieving students can make others feel a bit anxious and unsure. And before you know it, you’ve closed the application.
Don’t! You never know what an organisation is seeking and how you can fit uniquely into what they offer. So do try!
8 “I Find Some Scholarships That Look Perfect, but Then the Information Is Really Vague or Outdated.”
Maybe the website hasn’t been touched in a while, or the details about who can apply or when the deadline is are missing or unclear. This makes it difficult to determine whether the scholarship is still being offered or if you actually meet the requirements.
Approach this the same way you would if you were trying to find out if a particular restaurant is still open, or whether your favourite “kedai kopi” is still in operation. Google and look for recent news, then attempt to get in contact with somebody. Most scholarship providers list a point of contact on the scholarship page. Answers are just an email or call away!
9 “What Do All These Terms Mean? What’s the Difference Between Government, University, and Private Scholarships?”
With so many different organisations offering scholarships, it can be challenging to determine which ones are legitimate. There are government scholarships, such as those from the Public Service Commission, university-specific scholarships, and scholarships offered by private companies across various industries.
Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For example, government scholarships often come with a bond; however, they may offer more comprehensive financial support and a clear career path in the public sector. University scholarships may be less restrictive in terms of bonds, but the financial aid may not be as substantial. Private scholarships, on the other hand, can be focused on a specific field or niche.
Here’s a table that handily lays it out:
10 “I Spend So Much Time Tailoring My Application to Each Scholarship, It Feels Like a Part-Time Job on Top of My Studies.”
It seems like almost every scholarship requires a unique essay or personal statement, which takes a huge amount of time and effort. Then there’s the task of gathering all the necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, letters of recommendation from teachers, and other supporting materials.
There’s no shortcut to success. Scholarship applications take time and effort, but they pay off in handsome dividends: a secure career doing work you love, and a fully-paid-for education. Think of it as an investment in your future.